MUNICH-based Cargogate's managing director Claudia Weidenbusch says now is the perfect time to 'come onboard' since it is a time of change for the air cargo and logistics industry and there is a need to 'drive digitalisation with all the parties on the cargo campus.'
'It's an industry where you have to like working with people who have different mentalities,' Ms Weidenbusch told TIACA's Friday Flyer about her experiences within the industry.
'Communication needs to be precise, otherwise that leads to difficulties in operations. However, even if it seems to get rough from time to time, we are like a big family with everyone trying their best and helping each other.
'What attracted me the most was that cargo can be seen as an early warning system for economics and the companies. Good management in air cargo and logistics must be measured in how they act under the influence of politics and external economics and less about how they react in times of crisis,' she said.
Asked about what she enjoys most about her career to date that saw her join Munich airport in 2001 as the director of the business development and legal affairs team, Ms Weidenbusch said: 'An international airport like Munich opens doors to new and enriching possibilities. Every day is different which allows you to develop an outcome-oriented way of looking at situations in operations.'
Her role at Cargogate involves developing strategies for the foreseeable future and to 'work on building and encouraging the management team to go the extra mile with me as it's so important to have a team that pulls in the same direction and that helps to build a solid base. Otherwise, it's all just a house of cards.'
In Ms Weidenbusch's opinion it is not hard for women to succeed in the industry. 'Actually, right now it's an advantage to be a woman in this industry as there aren't as many of us in a leading position in cargo,' she said.
'Whenever I go to a meeting or a conference it's almost certain that I'll get recognised, which has became an advantage for getting in touch with people.'
When asked what qualities are needed to succeed, she said an individual needs: 'Persistence, flexibility, outcome-orientation and passion. If you're not willing to develop a plan B, C and D, problems can arise very fast.'
With regards to striking the right balance between passenger and freight traffic, Ms Weidenbusch highlighted that at Munich airport 83 per cent of the air cargo is belly freight.
'On long-distance flights you always have cargo and as an international five-star airport Munich has to make sure that high-level cargo handling is available, even when we have night curfews and limited slots available.
'If we can somehow manage to get the cargo away from the crowded roads and into the air, then we can finally achieve our assignment as an infrastructure.'
When asked if she would recommend air logistics to young women seeking a good career path, Ms Weidenbusch said: 'Definitely. In air logistics there's a need for so many different skills, be it IT, management, leadership or development. You are always in the right place with almost every level of education. I believe that air logistics is an industry with a bright future and that is interesting for everyone.'
'It's an industry where you have to like working with people who have different mentalities,' Ms Weidenbusch told TIACA's Friday Flyer about her experiences within the industry.
'Communication needs to be precise, otherwise that leads to difficulties in operations. However, even if it seems to get rough from time to time, we are like a big family with everyone trying their best and helping each other.
'What attracted me the most was that cargo can be seen as an early warning system for economics and the companies. Good management in air cargo and logistics must be measured in how they act under the influence of politics and external economics and less about how they react in times of crisis,' she said.
Asked about what she enjoys most about her career to date that saw her join Munich airport in 2001 as the director of the business development and legal affairs team, Ms Weidenbusch said: 'An international airport like Munich opens doors to new and enriching possibilities. Every day is different which allows you to develop an outcome-oriented way of looking at situations in operations.'
Her role at Cargogate involves developing strategies for the foreseeable future and to 'work on building and encouraging the management team to go the extra mile with me as it's so important to have a team that pulls in the same direction and that helps to build a solid base. Otherwise, it's all just a house of cards.'
In Ms Weidenbusch's opinion it is not hard for women to succeed in the industry. 'Actually, right now it's an advantage to be a woman in this industry as there aren't as many of us in a leading position in cargo,' she said.
'Whenever I go to a meeting or a conference it's almost certain that I'll get recognised, which has became an advantage for getting in touch with people.'
When asked what qualities are needed to succeed, she said an individual needs: 'Persistence, flexibility, outcome-orientation and passion. If you're not willing to develop a plan B, C and D, problems can arise very fast.'
With regards to striking the right balance between passenger and freight traffic, Ms Weidenbusch highlighted that at Munich airport 83 per cent of the air cargo is belly freight.
'On long-distance flights you always have cargo and as an international five-star airport Munich has to make sure that high-level cargo handling is available, even when we have night curfews and limited slots available.
'If we can somehow manage to get the cargo away from the crowded roads and into the air, then we can finally achieve our assignment as an infrastructure.'
When asked if she would recommend air logistics to young women seeking a good career path, Ms Weidenbusch said: 'Definitely. In air logistics there's a need for so many different skills, be it IT, management, leadership or development. You are always in the right place with almost every level of education. I believe that air logistics is an industry with a bright future and that is interesting for everyone.'